‘Could’ve clicked!’ NatWest scam worries Britons as many targeted by suspicious text

NatWest is one of the most popular banks in the UK, however, this knowledge is used by scammers in attempts to target victims. As a result, keeping vigilant even when a message - whether this is via text, email or a phone call - appears genuine is important. A litany of reports, however, have recently surfaced relating to NatWest where Britons have been told there is a new payee on their bank account. 

The text message which begins with the word ‘NatWest’ to draw a person’s attention tells an individual someone has been paid via their account.

It then falsely directs a person to click on a link contained within the message if this supposed payee was not set up by them. 

This text is a scam and is a prime example of smishing, which Britons should always be on the lookout for. 

Smishing occurs when a cybercriminal sends a text message to an unsuspecting individual, often telling them there is a problem with their bank account.

READ MORE: Money saving: How Britons can manage their money in later life

Often these messages have a sense of urgency, which encourage individuals to act fast on the matter. 

Several people highlighted the issue via social media, urging others to stay alert.

One said: “I received this on my phone this morning, I think this might be a scam. If so, you might want to warn your customers.”

Another person wrote: “Hi, could you advise me how I can report this scam message I’ve received?

“Thankfully knew it was a scam due to not banking with NatWest, but Johnson is a family game so could have potentially clicked it if it was with my bank.”

And a third person questioned “In the past few weeks I’ve got some sort of scam text every single day, from people pretending to be DPD, NatWest, Asda delivery etc. Has anyone experienced the same?”

NatWest confirmed the scam, warning Britons to stay vigilant and protect themselves.

The bank has told all people, whether they are customers or not, to forward suspicious texts referring to NatWest to the number 88355.

It also explained how people can know what to expect from a scam of this kind.

Its website reads: “Smishing scammers will try to alarm you. They might use shocking numbers.

“They’ll often try to rush you, and they might tell you a certain device was used.

“They’ll try to sound helpful and they may follow up a smishing text with a call.”

Individuals are always encouraged to report any instances of scams to Action Fraud, the national cybercrime reporting service.